Playing sports is one of the best ways to get a workout and stay in shape. Organized team sports are great, but some people don’t want to be a part of a team and may not be talented or athletic enough to play in a team sport.

The good thing is that there are plenty other sports that can be played individually or in small groups that will help give you a workout. Depending on how much you play, it may or may not be a substitute for working out at a gym or anywhere else. Sometimes just running or lifting weights can be boring, so if nothing else, playing sports is a nice change of pace.

Here are our list of the top 5 most relaxing sports that can help to get or keep you in shape for a for a healthier lifestyle!

1. Golf

When played the old-fashioned way, golf can give you more exercise than many other sports. Instead of renting a cart, walk the course while carrying your clubs. If you’re physically not able to carry them, then you can use a pull-cart. Regardless, walking the course is great exercise.

And the great thing is that you don’t have to be good at golf to get exercise. In fact, you will get more exercise the worse you are because you will be swinging the club more! Playing a round of golf can take between 4-5 hours. You’ll definitely be getting a workout, but you’ll also enjoy the peace and quiet of the game and enjoy the nature around you while you’re playing.

2. Tennis

This is one sport where you’ll need at least one player to play with you. Grab a friend and head to the tennis court for an hour or so a couple times a week. Tennis is such a fun and relaxing sport that you really don’t even have to keep score. Just practice on keeping a rally going with your partner and both of you will get a good workout in.

3. Swimming

Some people may say that swimming isn’t very relaxing, and compare it to running. There are different ways you can swim to get exercise and also to relax. Try different swimming motions to work out different muscles in your body. You don’t have to over exert yourself when you’re in the pool to still get some good exercise. You likely won’t feel like you are that tired because the water is keeping you cool. However, being active in a swimming pool is a great source of exercise because of the water resistance when you move.

4. Rowing

This may or may not be an option, depending on where you live. Some towns have rowing teams, while others may just have a lake or river where you can rent kayaks or other small boats. This is a great way to experience something new and enjoy nature, while getting some exercise as well. Find a calm place and just continuously row as much as you can. Take as many breaks as you need to, because you definitely don’t want to wear yourself out to the point where you can’t row back to the starting point. An hour of rowing may seem like a long time, but once you get out there, it will go a lot quicker than you think!

5. Biking

Riding a bike has always been a great way to get some exercise. It’s also one of the most relaxing ways to exercise. You don’t even have to bike that fast in order to get your heart rate up to a healthy level. Go ride with your partner or find a group of friends to ride with occasionally. Start out slow at first and gradually increase your speed and distance that you ride. The great thing about biking is that you can challenge yourself as much as you want. You can find hills to ride up and down, or just ride on a flat surface. Biking is one of the best ways to get outside, clear your mind and get some exercise all at the same time.

These are some of the most common sports and activities that people do to stay in shape. Not everyone is physically able to do some of them, but just trying them out occasionally will help keep you healthy.

You don’t always have to run or lift weights to stay in shape. You just have to know what your body can handle and what you enjoy doing and you will be living a healthier lifestyle in no time.